Bill > SB258

This bill expands the concept of "net metering," which allows electricity producers to receive credit for excess energy they send back to the grid, to include "customer-generator groups," meaning multiple customers can collectively own or operate qualifying electrical generating facilities, such as those powered by renewable energy or combined heat and power systems, with a total peak generating capacity of up to 200 kilowatts (or more up to one megawatt for facilities starting after July 1, 2010). The bill clarifies that these groups can use a single net meter to credit their combined on-site generation against the total electricity usage of all meters within the group, and if generation exceeds usage, credits will be distributed among group members. It also increases the capacity limit for eligible customer-generators from 100 to 200 kilowatts and sets a statewide limit for net metering capacity at 50 megawatts multiplied by each utility's share of the 2010 peak energy demand, with a cap of 2 megawatts for combined heat and power systems. While customer-generators are not charged for net meters, they are responsible for the costs of bi-directional metering systems and interconnection with the grid. The bill also specifies that renewable energy credits generated by these groups remain the property of the group until sold or transferred.